Spyserco fan purchases 1st emerson ,need feedback please

C

chrisARC

Joined
May 23, 2004
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Been collecting spydercos for sometime now. Have a couple sogs,benchmades.kershawsand an MOD. Just ordered a Raven A and just wanted to know what you guys think about this blade.
 
I'm guessing you won't be very impressed with the out-of-the-box sharpness.
 
Harry,

Why do you say that? I've owned several Emerson Ravens, and all have been very sharp.
 
BH said:
Harry,

Why do you say that? I've owned several Emerson Ravens, and all have been very sharp.
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he is comparing a chisel grind blade w/a 'V' grind i guess, i can tell ya the chisel grind may not be as sharp, but its plenty sharp enough for the intended use of the knife......
 
Believe me when I tell you that a properly done chisel edge will be the sharpest knife you will ever use. Everyone of my Emerson's have been extremely sharp out of the box- you will not be disappointed.
 
I dont own a raven but iv had nothing but the upmoast delight with all my other emersons so far !
 
Yester5 said:
Believe me when I tell you that a properly done chisel edge will be the sharpest knife you will ever use. Everyone of my Emerson's have been extremely sharp out of the box- you will not be disappointed.
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The chisel edges don't always feel really sharp, but they usually are, when new from Emerson. However, Emersons (at least the ones I own) never have been as sharp, out of the box, as any of my Spydercos.

As a second point, I have never been really impressed with the overall quality and strength of any of my Emersons compared to my Spydercos. I do enjoy my two Commanders and one CQC7, but the quality and fitment are not up to Spyderco's level.
 
I will give you that Spyderco's fit and finish are a little better, but Emerson's are a different type of knife- not fancy, but made for hard use. I have had two Endura's and a Delica actually break (blade snapped at the base of the lock notch) while not doing anything really too abusive. One Endura actually broke while cutting a plug out of a watermelon- the plug was cut and I was prying a little to pop out the plug. Spidies are made strictly for slicing IMHO. I'll give up a little on the fit and finish as long as I can count on my knife not to fail me.
 
Yester5 said:
I will give you that Spyderco's fit and finish are a little better, but Emerson's are a different type of knife- not fancy, but made for hard use. I have had two Endura's and a Delica actually break (blade snapped at the base of the lock notch) while not doing anything really too abusive. One Endura actually broke while cutting a plug out of a watermelon- the plug was cut and I was prying a little to pop out the plug. Spidies are made strictly for slicing IMHO. I'll give up a little on the fit and finish as long as I can count on my knife not to fail me.
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I am sure that various Spydies are built for various purposes each with limitations. The tip on my Military is certainly not as thick and tough as on on the Commander. However the Military and my ATR are much, much sturdier, in overall construction than my Commander. Overall, my two Commanders are really not great with hard use. I don't trust the locks with any twisting cuts, as the entire Commander will flex. Blade play is also an issue with the Commander. However my CQC7 has no blade play.

The "Hard Use" term is kind of a buzz word with Emersons advertising. That is OK with me. The terms "toughest, roughest, hardest, best, meanest" have become everyday terms with many knife companies today. I just read tests, read the forums, and try to make decisions based on what I need.

Don't get me wrong. I knew the Commanders were easy to flex and needed much adjustment for blade play when I bought it. Heck I bought a second one also. I just am aware of their limitations.

I think I know the limitations on each knife I own. That is probably why I own so many!!!
 
I think I know the limitations on each knife I own. That is probably why I own so many!!![/QUOTE]


I hear ya, brother- good points all around:)
 
Yester5 said:
I think I know the limitations on each knife I own. That is probably why I own so many!!!
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I hear ya, brother- good points all around:)[/QUOTE]


Thanks. I don't want you or anyone to think I am flaming Emerson. I have yet to find the perfect knife. Why? Because I don't think I really want to.

I like to collect them, use them, and play with them and some I keep only to admire. In fact I don't think I own one knife that I am so hard on that I could really call myself a true expert with. I am just having fun with knifes. Good old useful tools that are simple in concept and fun to own.
 
I know exactly what you mean- I have at last count:
27 Spyderco's
25 Emerson's
12 Benchmade's
22 CRKT's by various collaborations
12 Buck's
3 Strider's
4 Leathermen
8 Cold Steel
1 Chesapeake Knife and Tool
My Strider SnG is probably the closest I've come to the perfect all-around folder that is bomb proof. But I have a Cricket in my pocket everyday as well- great on blister packs!
The search for the perfect folder continues (it is a great hobby:)) and it has been great talking with you:)
 
I'm big on CRK but Spydies are so much fun my collection of them keeps growing. Just added a Gunting which is as tough as any Emerson.

But as far as Emersons go, I love my Raven, it's my "gentleman's tactical". It is extremely comfortable in my big hand, it is sharp and keeps its edge, and it is very well put together, even for some light prying. It is also a nice weight for carrying in light summer clothes.

Chisel grind. Emerson is known for a full chisel grind in his CQC-7 knives. The Commander and Raven are v-grinds, not chisels, but they do have a chisel secondary bevel. This is not a major problem for sharpening. You can even regrind it to a regular v-grind secondary bevel.

But chisels are inherently sharper than v-grinds at the same angle, because they are only half the angle. :) It just takes a slightly modified technique to sharpen them.
 
the very sharpest knives made are the zero bevel grind emersons (i have 2 zero grinds, a ECA P-Tac and a CQC8) they are without a doubt the most unbelievable sharp knives ever, imho, if ya havent seen 1 ya cant imagine, i promise ya. if ya ever have a chance check one out,
 
Yester5 said:
3 Strider's

My Strider SnG is probably the closest I've come to the perfect all-around folder that is bomb proof. But I have a Cricket in my pocket everyday as well- great on blister packs!
The search for the perfect folder continues (it is a great hobby:)) and it has been great talking with you:)
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Only three Striders?
 
My large Sebenza is the closest to perfect I own, but I don't carry it too much. It is kind of boring. But it is well made!
 
I really don't get it...I owned a spyderco knife a few years back and it was one of the cheapest pieces of junk I ever owned. It was my knife to give to friends when we went camping because i was not worried about it. The tip bent, it wasnt sharp, it just had the feel of over cooked spaghetti in my hands. Compared to an emerson, I jsut don't get the better "fit and finish" praise for the spyderco...oh well. It may jsut be personal opinion, but I had to say something.
 
Plumber576 said:
I really don't get it...I owned a spyderco knife a few years back and it was one of the cheapest pieces of junk I ever owned. It was my knife to give to friends when we went camping because i was not worried about it. The tip bent, it wasnt sharp, it just had the feel of over cooked spaghetti in my hands. Compared to an emerson, I jsut don't get the better "fit and finish" praise for the spyderco...oh well. It may jsut be personal opinion, but I had to say something.
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Hummmm. Go to a knife show and fool around with a Spyderco ATR, Chinook or Military and I think you will see why there is such a following. I am not a true "dyed in the wool" Spyderco nut, but they do offer some of the most inventive styles, very very sharpest edges and great quality for the price.
 
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